Optometrist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $59.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a optometrist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $59.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jonesboro, AR, the hourly pay for optometrists is projected to be $59.55 in 2026, which sits notably lower than the national median of $67.60 per hour. This hourly rate significantly influences earning potential for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, who can expect a different financial picture compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem optometrists working in various settings—such as private practice exam rooms, retail optical locations, and hospital outpatient clinics—can anticipate a wide hourly range from $34.54 at entry-level positions to $88.82 for those at the top of the pay scale. It's critical to consider that these figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the job market dynamics in Jonesboro.
About the Jonesboro Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Optometrist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.54 | $276.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.35 | $378.81 |
| Median (P50) | $59.55 | $476.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.66 | $581.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.82 | $710.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $59.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.55/hr, a optometrist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $123,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,462. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,382.08 | $10,322 | $123,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,429.25 | $6,193 | $74,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $952.83 | $4,129 | $49,547 |
Compare OD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Optometrist (Jonesboro) | $59.55 |
| Dentist, General (National Avg) | $79.54 |
| Pharmacist (National Avg) | $66.51 |
| Opticians, Dispensing (National Avg) | $21.11 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $64.13 |
Optometrists in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $123,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $140,612 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $122,158.
Optometrist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.55/hr = $74,321/year (purchasing power: $85,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,868/year (purchasing power: $142,541).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$48.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Optometrists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for optometrists in Jonesboro grew 18.5% from $48.81/hr (2019) to $57.84/hr (2025). At a 2.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem optometrists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Optometrist in Jonesboro
Evaluating the earning potential for an optometrist working part-time (24 hours per week) reveals a distinct difference in annual monetary returns compared to full-time roles. This part-time professional might take home approximately $74,000 annually, whereas a full-time optometrist could earn significantly more, depending on their workload. Additionally, per diem optometrists typically bill between $500 and $800 daily at retail chains, while those in clinical settings can command rates as high as $1,200 per day. The variety in hourly compensation can stem from employer types, with private practices, retail chains, and hospital systems all offering different pay structures. Some optometrists may opt for lower hourly rates that provide health benefits, while others may embrace higher rates without such coverage. Negotiating a fair hourly wage in Jonesboro could prove beneficial, especially for those understanding the distinctive regional variations in employment settings and the value they bring to the role.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for optometrists in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time optometrists make in Jonesboro?
Are optometrists in Jonesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time optometrist make per year in Jonesboro?
Do optometrists earn more per hour working part-time in Jonesboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for optometrists in Jonesboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jonesboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov